Cleaning device and its use

ABSTRACT

A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, the device comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the composition from the fabric. In a method of use, the liquid cleaning composition is applied to the fabric with the applicator and some of the composition so applied is absorbed into the absorbent means.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for spot cleaning of afabric and use of that device in a method of spot cleaning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, there has been interest in providing productsfor spot removal of stains on fabrics, particularly garments. This mayfor example be for removal of stains due to food spillage or otherstains which are stained during wear, as well as the localised cleaningof collars and cuffs prior to a main wash. As used herein, in thebroadest sense, “spot cleaning” refers to cleaning of any part of afabric other than the whole item.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,158 discloses a method and device foraccelerating cleaning of soiled parts of clothes by rub coating with anenzyme-containing liquid detergent. An applicator device comprises acontainer closed by a porous body made of a heated and sinteredsynthetic plastics material. This is used to rub the garment to applythe liquid composition.

[0004] WO-A-97/20099 discloses a method of treating a spot or stain on atextile by applying a detergent composition, then placing an absorbentlayer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the region of thespot or stain and applying heat, pressure or both to the opposing side.The detergent composition is applied in the form of a liquidcomposition, preferably comprising an organic solvent, optionally alsocontaining a surfactant. The composition is dispensed from a containerclosed by an applicator device such as a porous plug with fabric orbrush texturing, or a roller-ball device.

[0005] WO-A-99/02769 discloses a method for spot cleaning a stain spoton a fabric by wiping with an applicator impregnated with a cleaningsolution comprising water, an alcohol, glycol, glycol-ether or glycerineand from 0.0001-1% by weight of surfactant. The applied solution isallowed to migrate outwardly from the spot and the volatile componentsevaporate. The wiping applicator is preferably stored in an airtightcontainer and is preferably a polymer towelette. The cleaning solutionmay also contain enzyme. This product has a disadvantage of felting ofthe wipe if too much pressure is applied. Further, outward migration ofthe solvent tends to produce a “halo” effect on drying.

[0006] WO-A-01/04260 discloses a fabric treatment applicator which isconstructed in a form generally analogous to a felt-tipped pen. Asynthetic fibre nib is used to apply a liquid composition contained inthe body of the pen-like device. The liquid composition must contain atleast one bleach and at least one surfactant. The absence of means toabsorb the applied solution means that soil is largely redistributedrather than removed.

[0007] WO-A-01/04407 discloses and claims an applicator for applying aspot-treatment stain removal aqueous solution to a textile fabric. Theliquid composition preferably contains a bleach and the applicationdevice is preferably a nib. The application device must have africtional stress of from 0.05 N mm⁻² to 10 N mm⁻². Again, the absenceof means to absorb the applied solution means that soil is largelyredistributed rather than removed.

[0008] However, none of the prior proposals teaches an apparatus wherebya cleaning composition can be applied to a spot or stain on a textilefabric in optimal manner and then absorbed, together with stainmaterial, using the same device and without the need for a separateabsorbent pad or cloth which is not convenient for cleaning garmentswhilst being worn. The present invention solves the problem of providingthese functions in a single device.

DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a devicefor spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, thedevice comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicatorfor applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric andabsorbent means for absorbing at least some of the composition from thefabric.

[0010] We may also claim the device of the first aspect of the inventionin the form where the reservoir actually contains the liquid cleaningcomposition.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method ofspot cleaning a fabric by applying a liquid cleaning composition to thefabric with an applicator or a device according to the first aspect ofthe present invention, and absorbing at least some of the composition soapplied with the absorbent means of said device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The body of the device may be in any convenient shape, eg.elongated, spherical or partly spherical or having any aestheticallyappealing or novelty shape. However, most preferably, the device is inthe form of a member having a first end and a second end, wherein thereservoir is located within or forms at least part of the member. Thus,the first and second ends may be respective ends of a tubular or otherelongated member having any cross-section. It may also have one or morebends or angles therein, eg. so that one part can act as a handle whilstthe other end is being applied to the fabric.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, one of the applicator and theabsorbent means is located at the first end of the member and the otheris located at the second end of the member. Alternatively, in anotherpreferred embodiment, both the applicator and the absorbent means arelocated at the same first end or second end of the member. In that case,one of the applicator and the absorbent means may be arranged concentricto the other, and preferably also with at least the adjacent part of thereservoir member, for simplicity of use. Each of the applicator andabsorbent means may be protected by removable cap.

[0014] Preferably, mesh means is also provided for rubbing the fabric sothat the liquid absorbed by the absorbent means from the fabric passesthrough the mesh means. The absorbent member is conveniently held in aholding means such as a chamber having an opening covered by a meshmeans. Alternatively, the absorbent means may be mounted on a supportmember and covered by the mesh means. In a coaxial form of such anarrangement, an outlet of the applicator may pass through the supportand absorbent means. The mesh can assist soil removal by rubbing.

[0015] The loosened soil then passes through the mesh to be absorbed bythe absorbent means, before it can be redistributed on the fabric.Further, hydrophobic soil such as lipstick can be removed by adheringdirectly to the mesh means. If a mesh means is not present, suchhydrophobic soil will be directly absorbed by the absorbent means and/oradhere to it. Preferably, the device also comprises a holding means tohold the absorbent means. The absorbent means may for example be held ina chamber, compartment, recess, on support member or a surface of thedevice by any suitable means. The absorbent means may be glued, simplywedged or held by any other suitable manner in the holding means. Theholding means for the absorbent means is preferably a non detachablepart of the device. The absorbent means will usually be much smallerthan the device. So small that the absorbent means itself may bedifficult to hold when it is rubbed against the stain. One advantageaccording to this aspect of the invention is that the absorbent means isheld in place by the holding means of the device and the user can stilltransfer an effective force to remove the stain by holding the deviceand rubbing the absorbent means, optionally covered by mesh means,against the stain.

[0016] The applicator closes the reservoir but allows the liquidcomposition to flow-out in controlled manner. It may for example,comprise a simple slot or hole of dimensions such that the out-flow ofthe liquid composition is restricted. It can also comprise a nib ofmetal or plastics construction, or a permeable member such as of foam orsintered composition or a fibre member. Optionally, a snap-off, pull-offor cut-off seal or else a cap or plug may be provided for sealing beforefirst use. After opening, a removable cap may be provided for coveringthe applicator before repeat use, so that liquid cannot evaporate orescape.

[0017] To assist removal of the composition from the reservoir, thereservoir may in whole or in part, be formed of a flexible material sothat it may be squeezed. The reservoir may also be provided with aplunger (e.g. rod and piston) arrangement to assist dispensing of theliquid.

[0018] The mesh means is preferably a mesh of natural or syntheticpolymer eg. made of polyethylene, polyester or nylon The mesh size is tobe understood as the opening or clear space between the wires.Preferably the average mesh size is greater than 200, preferably greaterthan 250, more preferably greater than 300 micrometers. The average meshsize is preferably smaller than 2000, more preferably smaller than 1500and even more preferably smaller than 1000 micrometers. A mesh thicknessof from 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers is typical and is preferablyof from 150 micrometers to 400 micrometers. The wire diameter ispreferably from 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers and is more preferablyfrom 150 micrometers to 400 micrometers. The mesh means may even be acoarsely woven fabric.

[0019] The absorbent means must be capable of absorbing liquidcomposition from the fabric, having at least some of the stain absorbedor dispersed therein. It may for example be of cotton or synthetic fibreabsorbent wool, woven or non-woven natural or synthetic fabric, or itmay be a super absorbent polymer such as Hysorb™ (ex BASF) or OASIS™fibre (ex Courtaulds).

[0020] The liquid composition is preferably aqueous, although thepresent invention also extends to compositions wherein a substantiallynon-aqueous liquid composition is applied, eg. having less than 25% byweight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 15% byweight or less, eg. 10% by weight or less, most preferably 5% by weightor less of water.

[0021] In the case of the aqueous compositions, it is also preferred tohave at least one organic solvent present, which preferably should bewater-miscible. It is also preferred in some embodiments for thecomposition to contain a surfactant component comprising one or moresurfactants selected from an ionic, cationic, zwitterionic andamphoteric surfactant. If present, preferably the organic solventcontent is from 0.1 to 75% by weight of the composition, more preferablyfrom 1% to 110% by weight. When present, the surfactant component ispreferably present from 0.00001% to 10%, more preferably from 0.0001% to1% by weight of the composition. The presence of surfactant isbeneficial for removing oily stains from hydrophobic fabrics such aspolyester. However, in the case of oily stains on hydrophilic fabricssuch as cotton, it may be preferably to avoid surfactant, i.e. to haveless than 1 wt %, preferably less than 0.1 wt %, most preferably nosurfactant by weight of the liquid cleaning composition.

[0022] Preferred organic solvents are selected from alcohols, ketones,esters, glycol ethers and mixtures thereof.

[0023] For optional cleaning, it is advantageous for the viscosity ofthe liquid composition to be preferably from 0.1 mPaS to 1000 mPaS, morepreferably from 10 mPaS to 500 mPaS. If the inherent viscosity of thecomposition is not already within such a range, a thickener e.g. ofpolymeric type may be included. For the avoidance of doubt, in the caseof non-Newtonian liquid compositions (which is preferable), theviscosity is that measured at a shear rate of 100 s³¹ ¹.

[0024] Optionally, other components may be dissolved or dispersed in theliquid compositions, eg. selected from detergency builders, bleaches andbleach systems, enzymes, fluorescers and other materials which areconventional in laundry wash compositions for hand or machine washing.

[0025] The amount of liquid cleaning composition in the reservoir meansis preferably from 0.001 to 10 ml, more preferably from 0.1 ml to 1 ml.

[0026] According another aspect of the present invention a device isprovided for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition,the device comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, anapplicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabricand chemical heating means, wherein the chemical heating means comprisesat least one substance which produces heat when wetted by liquidcomposition from the fabric.

[0027] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method ofspot cleaning a fabric by applying a liquid cleaning composition to thefabric with an applicator or a device according to the first aspect ofthe present invention, and contacting at least some of the compositionso applied and the chemical means of said device.

[0028] The chemical heating means produces heat when wetted by theliquid cleaning composition from the fabric.

[0029] One class of suitable substance for producing heat when wettedcomprises anhydrous substances which exhibit an exothermic effect whenwetted. Preferred anhydrous substances are anhydrous aluminosilicates,metal oxides, and the like. Examples of aluminosilicates includeanhydrous Molecular Sieves (ex Aldrich), zeolite type A (having sodalitecages), zeolite type X. chabazite, and the like. Suitable examples ofmetal oxides include calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. Other metal saltsmay be employed as well, e.g. (partially) dehydrated calcium sulphate(gypsum). It is preferred that these compounds are in a suitablegranular form so that the compound can be easily retained by a matrixand not dust or powder escapes from the device during use or storage.The compounds may be employed as such or as mixtures.

[0030] Alternatively, the material for producing the heat may compriseat least two different chemical species which undergo an exothermicchemical reaction when wetted, for solid acids and solid bases, such assodium hydrogen sulphate and sodium carbonate or citric acid and sodiumcarbonate. Preferably, these solids are intimately admixed.

[0031] As used herein, reference to “wetting” refers to hydration withwater, other aqueous solutions or dispersions, and equivalent wettingsemi-aqueous liquids or non-aqueous liquids which form the liquidcomposition and which trigger the exothermic on. However, water andaqueous liquid solutions or dispersions will be the liquid of choice inmost cases.

[0032] It is also preferred if the device can physically absorb asignificant quality of liquid composition from the fabric, together withat least some stain or soil. Many materials which produce heat whenwetted are also absorbent, especially if provided in finely powdered orsintered form. However, if the chemical heating means is not in itselfvery absorbent, separate absorbent means may also be provided. Separateabsorbent means may also be provided, even if the chemical heating meansis quite absorbent in itself.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides adevice for spot cleaning a fabric using a first liquid composition and asecond liquid composition, the device comprising reservoir means whichcomprises a first reservoir for holding the first liquid composition anda second reservoir for holding the second liquid composition, the devicefurther comprising applicator means for applying the first and secondliquid compositions from the reservoir means to the fabric.

[0034] For the avoidance of doubt, any optional or preferable feature ofany aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspectof the invention.

[0035] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by wayof the following description of preferred embodiments, and withreference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036]FIG. 1 shows a cross-section through a first embodiment of adevice according to the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 2 shows a cross-section through a second embodiment of adevice according to the present invention; and

[0038]FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through a third embodiment of adevice according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a spotcleaning device 1 according to the present invention. Overall, it is ofa size to be hand-held

[0040] The device comprises an elongate member 3 having a first end 5and a second end 7. The elongate member 3 contains a reservoir 9 intowhich is filled a liquid cleaning composition 11.

[0041] At the first end 5 of the elongate member 3, is located anapplicator 13 which comprises a frusto-conical extension 15 of theelongate member 3 and integral therewith, narrowing to a restrictedopening 17. This restricted opening is sealed before sale and use with asnap-off member 19.

[0042] At the second end 7 of the elongate member 3, there is attachedthereto, a chamber member 21 attached to the elongate member by afrustoconical section 23. Thus, the elongate member 3 and the chamber 21and frustoconical connector 23 are cylindrical in cross-section but thechamber member 21 is of wider diameter than the elongate member 3.

[0043] Contained within the chamber 21 is a particulate super-absorbentpolymer material (Hysorb™) designated 25. Optionally, this may alsooccupy the frustoconical section 23. The chamber member 21 has an openend 27 which is closed by a mesh (net) 29 made of nylon. The mesh sizeis approximately 450 micrometers. The mesh size is in any event smallerthan the average particle size of the polymer 25. The elongate member 3,frustoconical sections 15 and 23 and the chamber 21 together with thesnap-off member 19 are conveniently moulded as one-piece construction,eg. by injection moulding of high density polypropylene.

[0044] In use, the consumer snaps-off member 17 and tips the device sothat an appropriate amount of liquid cleaning composition is dispensedthrough narrow opening 17 to the stain. The pen is then inverted and thestain and surrounding fabric, which is wetted with the liquidcomposition, is rubbed/scrubbed with the mesh member 29. In this way,the liquid composition on the fabric, together with stain materialdispersed or dissolved therein, is absorbed into the absorbent polymer25 and/or the soil adheres to the mesh and/or polymer.

[0045] Turning now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is shown a secondembodiment of a spot cleaning device 31 according to the presentinvention.

[0046] In the device of this embodiment, a hard disc 33, preferably of aplastic material such as polypropylene, has formed through its centre, achannel 35. Situated above the disc, is a reservoir in the form of acylinder 37 in which is located an aqueous liquid cleaning composition39. The reservoir cylinder 37 is coaxial with the channel 35 formed inthe hard disc 33. A dosing knob 41 is located at the top 43 of thereservoir cylinder, i.e. at the end remote from the hard disc 33.Attached to the dosing knob 41 is a push rod 45 which extends through ahole 47 in the top 49 of the cylinder. The push rod 45 is attached to aplunger or piston 51 which is located above and communicating with theliquid cleaning composition 39.

[0047] The bottom end 53 of the reservoir cylinder 37, remote from thetop end 49, rests on an upper surface 55 of the hard disc 33.

[0048] Attached to the underside surface 57 of the hard disc 33, is amass 59 of the same super-absorbent material as used in the firstembodiment, contained in a fabrics bag (not shown). This mass 59 has achannel 61 formed therethrough, communicating with and extending from,the channel 35 through the hard disc 33. The channel 61 terminates in anopening 62 which before use is sealably closed with a soft polymer plug(not shown).

[0049] A nylon net 63 of the same construction used in the firstembodiment, covers the pad and is attached to the circumference 65 ofthe hard disc 33. Thus, the super absorbent pad 59 is enclosed by thenylon net 63 and the underside 57 of the hard disc 33.

[0050] In use, the plug is removed from the opening 62 at the bottom ofchannel 61. The device is then lowered onto the stain 67 so that thenylon net 63 is directly in contact therewith and in contact with thesurrounding fabric and liquid cleaning composition 39 is ejected throughthe channel 35 hard disc and channel 61 in the super-absorbent pad, tobe ejected through the net to wet the stain 67 and surrounding fabric69. This is effected by pushing upon dosing knob 41, which moves thepush rod 45 and thus, the plunger or piston 51 to force the liquidcomposition out of the device through the opening 62. Simultaneously,manual pressing and rotating causes both stain soil together with liquidcomposition absorbed by the fabric to be absorbed into thesuper-absorbent 59.

[0051] There is now shown in FIG. 3, a third embodiment of a device 71according to the present invention.

[0052] In this embodiment, a reservoir in the form of a “pipette” 73,i.e. a flexibly deformable plastics container, is filled with a liquidcleaning composition 75. The body 77 of the pipette tapers at its lowerend 79 into a frustoconical section 81 and thence into a tubular nozzle83 which terminates in a nipple 85 which is cut-off before use.

[0053] The nozzle 83 is surrounded by a mass of super-absorbent material87 held in a woven fabric bag (not shown). This is the same material asutilised in the first and second embodiments. The top 89 of the mass ofsuper absorbent material is attached to a plastics collar 91 whichsurrounds the upper part 93 of the nozzle 83.

[0054] Surrounding the mass super-absorbent material 87 is a nylon net95 which is the same form of nylon net as used in the first and secondembodiments.

[0055] Operation of the device according to the third embodiment isessentially analogous to the device of the second embodiment, exceptthat the nipple 85 is first cut-off. Again, after positioning the deviceabove the stain, the device is then lowered to touch the fabric. Insteadof pushing a dosing knob, as in the previous embodiment, liquid cleaningcomposition is ejected by squeezing the pipette reservoir 73, so that itis ejected through the opening 85 of the nozzle 83, through the bottomof the nylon mesh 95. The underside of the net 95 abrades the stainthrough a pressing and rotating action, so that liquid compositionabsorbed by the fabric and also stain material is absorbed.

[0056] The liquid cleaning compositions 11, 39, 75 used in the aboveembodiments may have the following formulations: Trade Name SupplierMaterial Type wt. % Permulen TR 2 BF Goodrich polymeric emulsified 0.1Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta nonionic surfactant 0.2 Admox 12Albermarle tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Sodium dioctyl Sigma wetting agent0.3 sulfosuccinate KOH Baker pH control 0.021 Kathon CG-ICP Rohm & HaasBiocide 0.0003 Water balance pH = 7.0 Example 2 Trade Name SupplierMaterial Type wt. % Permulen TR2 BF Goodrich Polymeric emulsifier 0.10Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta Nonionic surfactant 0.20 Admox 12Albemarle Tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Sodium dioctyl Sigma Anionicsurfactant/wet 0.30 sulfosuccinate Kathon CG-ICP Rohm and Haas Biocide0.0003 KOH to pH 7.0 Water balance Example 3 Trade Name SupplierMaterial Type wt. % Permulen TR2 BF Goodrich Polymeric emulsifier 0.10Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta Nonionic surfactant 0.20 Admox 12Albemarle Tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Dynol 604 Air Products nonionicsurfactant/ 0.30 wet Kathon CG-ICP Rohm and Haas Biocide 0.0003 KOH topH 7.0 Water Balance

[0057] In an alternative formulation, the amount of Pemulen TR2 is 0.1wt % and 0.75 wt % is the amount of Lialet 111-5.

1. A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaningcomposition, the device comprising a reservoir for holding thecomposition, an applicator for applying the composition from thereservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing at least someof the composition from the fabric.
 2. A device according to claim 1, inthe form of a member having a first end and a second end, wherein thereservoir is located within or forms at least part of the member.
 3. Adevice according to claim 2, wherein one of the applicator and theabsorbent means is located at one of said first and second ends of themember and the other of the applicator and the absorbent means islocated at the other of the first and second ends of the member.
 4. Adevice according to claim 2, wherein both the applicator and theabsorbent means are located at the same first end or second end of themember.
 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the applicator andabsorbent means are concentric with each other and at least part of themember which is adjacent to the first or second end at which theapplicator or absorbent means are located.
 6. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the applicator has a point or region of exit for thecomposition and the absorbent means surrounds the point or region ofexit.
 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein mesh means is providedfor rubbing the fabric so that liquid absorbed by the absorbent meansfrom the fabric passes through the mesh means.
 8. A device according toclaim 7, wherein the absorbent member is held in a chamber having anopening covered by said mesh means.
 9. A device according to claim 7,wherein the absorbent means is held by a holding means and is covered bysaid mesh means.
 10. A device according to claim 1, wherein saidapplicator comprises a slot or hole of dimensions for restricting theout-flow of the liquid composition.
 11. A device according to claim 1,wherein the applicator comprises a liquid permeable member.
 12. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein a removable cap is provided for coveringthe applicator when not in use.
 13. A device according to claim 1,wherein the liquid composition comprises water, at least one organicsolvent and optionally, surfactant.
 14. A method of spot cleaning afabric by applying a liquid cleaning composition to the fabric with anapplicator of a device according to claim 1 and absorbing at least someof the composition so applied with the absorbent means of said device.15. A method of spot cleaning according to claim 14 when applying adevice according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the mesh means is usedto rub the fabric after application of the liquid composition.